The first production-standard AH-6i reconnaissance and light attack helicopter by Boeing has flown for the first time.

Boeing said that during the recent flight, which lasted less than 20 minutes, the aircraft was flown at low speeds and performed forward, rearward and sideward maneuvers.

"This first AH-6 flight in the production configuration takes us closer to delivering an advanced light attack and reconnaissance helicopter that meets the needs of defense forces around the world," said Boeing AH-6 Program Director Scott Rudy.

The single-turbine AH-6i has a top speed of 176 miles per hour and a range of 267 miles. It can carry a 30mm cannon and two machine guns in addition to rockets and anti-tank missiles. The aircraft is a variant of the AH-6M helicopter operated by the U.S. Army Special Operations Forces and utilizes advanced technologies from Boeing's AH-64E Apache attack helicopter.

The first flight in standard production configuration follows resolution of a dispute between Boeing and MD Helicopters over the aircraft's basic design, Boeing said.

Testing to expand the aircraft's flight envelope will be conducted over the next few months.

ALIAS Seeks to Provide Portable, Flexible Advanced Autopilot CapabilitiesWashington DC (SPX) Apr 30, 2014
Military aircraft today have evolved over a period of decades to have ever more automated capabilities, improving mission success and safety. At the same time, these aircraft still present challenging and complex interfaces to operators, and despite demanding training regimens, operators can experience extreme workload during emergencies and other unexpected situations.
Avionics and softwa ... read more

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes.
AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties.
Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement
All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.